Changes to the Mortgage Interest Deduction ostensibly made the housing subsidy more progressive. The real consequences of the change, however, make the deduction "significantly more inequitable that it was in years past."
One of the most consequential changes included in the GOP tax reform bill signed by President Trump at the end of 2017 targeted the Mortgage Interest Deduction.
Writing for Greater Greater Washington, David Meni explains the consequences of the change for tax revenue and the demographics of the Mortgage Interest Deduction:
A recent report by the Joint Committee on Taxation (a non-partisan arm of Congress, like the Congressional Budget Office) shows that while the recent tax bill will shrink the MID considerably, it also will cause the program to give even an even larger share to the wealthiest homeowners.
The cause of this regressive shift of the deduction's benefit is because so many more middle class taxpayers will shift to the standard deduction. "Last year, about 4% of the MID went to households making more than $1 million a year. With the changes to the rest of the tax code, those households now take close to 10% of the deduction," according to Meni.
FULL STORY: Surprise! The Mortgage Interest Deduction is now even more of a handout to the wealthy
Housing Vouchers as a Key Piece of Houston’s Housing Strategy
The Houston Housing Authority supports 19,000 households through the housing voucher program.
What Might Federal Housing Policy Look Like in 2025?
Changes to tax incentives, fair housing laws, and housing assistance programs would quickly start impacting local efforts to stem the housing crisis.
Federal Policies for Creating Permanent Affordable Housing
An Urban Institute analysis outlines three ways federal lawmakers can support housing programs that provide permanent affordable housing for the households that need it most.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie